By Andi Klopstein
Euro Roper

The first weekend in June set a historical marker in the history of team roping in Europe. The first international competition took place in the beautiful Ardéche area of France. This area is known for its beautiful countryside, great food, wine and hospitality of the French residents. But not only that, La Verriere was the place to be for ropers from Europe: France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic. And guests born in Mexico and USA, at the event which took place June 3-4, were very welcome. All spoke one common language, which is well-known in the world: the language of the great sport of team roping. 

Anthony Masclaux, an ambitious and successful French roper, along with the ETRC representative of the WSTR, organized the European Qualifier for the WSTR Finals in 2016. With a total of 96 teams and over 240 runs a team roping record was set in France.

It was the second European Qualifier in 2016 taking place for the WSTR Finale, which is held annually in December in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Ropers from Europe, Mexico and the US were on the hunt for the four positions which were awarded to the top two teams of the qualifier.

The roping weekend kicked off Friday night with a 4-steer progressive jackpot. Seventy-four teams called the gate in the first go round and competed for the high prize money. The proud winners from the jackpot competition were the Italian team roper Guiliano Reano,  and Mike Crouch. Second place went to Guiliano Reano, Italy, and the French roper Jordan Legay. Third place went to Lola Ricarda (Italy) and Mike Crouch. All of them performed outstanding. 

On Saturday afternoon, the pressure was on for the second Qualifier for the WSTR Finale,  one of the four Qualifier events taking place in Europe 2016. The goal for all contestants: Qualify for one of the four positions which were awarded for the top two teams of the prestigious WSTR Finale in December. All contestants are driven by the chance of winning the $12 million in Las Vegas. Money is only one attractive side of the coin. They are driven by pride as well: to represent their country at the prestigious 2016 WSTR Finale. More than 6,000 Euro was paid in winning paychecks at the past qualifier – and that sure helps to make it on the fabulous road to Las Vegas.

Of the 96 teams entered, 52 teams made it to the short go. With two fast times in the first two go rounds, the high team back won the 2nd European Qualifier 2016 in a total of 24.79 seconds on three steers. Congrats to Sophie Masetta, Italy and Guiliano Reano, Italy for their excellent performance. Great performance was also shown by the reserve team, Milan Pata and his daughter Klara Patova from the Czech Republic in a total time of 38.91 seconds on three steers. 

Mike Crouch, ETRC Producer and Anthony Masclaux, Organization and Stock Contractor both point out: “We worked very hard to make this event happen. Great that it turned out to be such a success. It makes us happy and proud that the first European Qualifier in France was so well received.” Mike Crouch adds, “We are looking forward to set the pace for the future of team roping competitions in Europe.  And looking at our competitors – I am extremely proud that we gain more competitors of the European countries at each competition, and that we can welcome guests from other continents. Another thing we can be proud of is our common work with respect to our young generation of Team Ropers. Our youngsters are doing extremely well in a very competitive and ambitious field here in Europe. This is great to see and at the same time it tells me…that the sport of team roping  sure has the potential of growth in Europe.” 

Andi Klopstein is a four time European All Around Champion of the former European Rodeo Cowboy Association (ERCA). She also holds two European Reserve Champions titles as a Team Roping Heeler and is an inductee of the ERCA Hall of Legends awarded for her accomplishments in the ERCA, such as a total of six European Championship titles and several Reserve Championship titles and her work and dedication for Rodeo in Europe and the ERCA.

Representing the United States were Angelica Crouch and Shawn Hogue.

Reserve winners Milan Pata and his daughter, Klara Patova.